A/n: Hey everyone! Sorry about updating late. I know I said I'd have this chappie out by Wednesday but I had tons of stuff to do and my internet wasn't working last night. But, it's long, so I hope that makes up for it!
I know nothing interesting really happens in this chapter, that's because it's mostly just a filler to space things out with. Next chapter will be crucial though, perhaps I can start writing it sometime over this weekend.
A great big thanks to all my awesome reviewers! (individual comments at then end) you guys help motive me to write more, this ones for you!
Disclaimer: As soon as you see these words you should know what comes next. I own nothing but notebooks, a hardcover copy of SOF and a softcover copy of TAE. Don't sue me.
R & R!
Enjoy.
"Are we there yet?"
I rolled my eyes at the chorus of voices behind me and tried to hide my irritation. The Gasman, Nudge and Angel had constantly been parroting this question on end for hours – or so it seemed like it.
"No" I muttered; my voice level and patient, I turned to catch Fang's eye, and by the look on his face, he was trying not to laugh at my failed attempt hiding my annoyance. I hate how well he can read me; he can read my thoughts and emotions as well as if they were written on the page of a book, displayed for him to see.
I coasted for a moment, cherishing the soft wind running through my feathers.
Flying. There is no other feeling like it. I guess being a genetic mutant freak with wings has it's upsides as well.
Opening my eyes, I released a slow breath and checked our heading: west. Over my shoulder I could see Nudge flying alongside Angel, both broke out laughing each time their wings brushed on the down stroke. I smiled inwardly. Gazzy and Iggy were flying in sync and snickering to each other while mumbling quietly.
Probably plotting their next 'bombs away.' I thought, suppressing a groan and holding in a chuckle as this crossed my mind.
Turning my gaze from them, I found myself subconsciously edging closer to my second-in-command.
"Hey."
Fang looked up from watching the ground fly by below him and nodded to show that he had heard me.
"I was thinking…" I trailed off and my eyes shifted to the endless stretch of sky before me, focusing on some distant point. I've been thinking a lot lately, haven't I?
"We should go to Massachusetts." I stated plainly.
"What, why?" he asked, slightly confused at this sudden change in direction.
I shrugged, running the possible answers through my head. I didn't want to bother Fang with reasons so I responded simply:
"It just…feels right, you know?"
At this, he regarded me skeptically, raising one dark eyebrow in a questioning manner.
"The Voice?" he asked softly, subconsciously lowering his voice to a whisper.
I shook my head and he closed his eyes for a moment. I hadn't expected a response and was equally surprised when I got one.
"Yeah…" he said under his breath, opening his eyes and moving his attention forward once more.
Pivoting in the air gracefully, I turned to face the flock and four pairs of eyes turned to me, quizzical expressions flitting across their faces. Even Iggy looked up at me, unseeing light blue eyes unfocused.
"Guys! We're heading north!" I called, before circling and coming up beside everyone else. I saw the younger kids faces light up with curiosity and I wisely surged away before Nudge could begin asking questions.
"Where do you think we're going?" I heard Nudge's voice call out to the others and smiled. Curious as always.
Curiosity killed the cat, Maximum.
Whaaat? Leave me alone, Voice, I didn't ask you. I thought with a scowl, mentally swatting away the presence in my brain like a bothersome fly.
I'm just forewarning you, Max.
"It's a surprise!" I called out in reply to Nudge's query; ignoring the Voice's reply. Catching a warm updraft and gliding for a moment or two before flapping my wings to regain the altitude I had lost.
"A surprise?" she asked happily before turning to Gazzy to continue her rant. "Where do you think we're going? North, isn't it cold up north? Are we going to Canada, Max? Is it cold in Canada? Hey, I heard that they call states providences there and do they talk French in Canada? Wouldn't that make them French? I thought they were Canadians, doesn't that mean they should speak Canadia – mphhh!"
I released a sigh of relief and shot Iggy a grateful smile, though it was a wasted effort. "Nudge, calm down and no, we're not going that far north." I laughed softly at her bashful smile and was thankful when she stayed quiet.
After a few moments, the kids once again began to speculate on where we would be heading.
"Massachusetts?" Angel piped up, her voice betraying nothing but innocence.
A glance back at said flock member revealed the six year, gliding effortlessly along with the rest of us, on eight foot wings with pure white feathers. She held Total in her arms and he was sleeping soundly. She really does look like an Angel, blonde curls and big blue eyes just complimenting her snow-white feathers. But the mischievous spark in her eyes belied her faux innocence. She had read my mind.
A proud smile played across her lips and she looked up at me, beaming.
"Yes sweetie." I smiled back at her briefly before turning my attention to the skies ahead of me.
"Yes!" Gazzy and Nudge cheered, slapping high fives before speeding off with Angel in tow, playing a friendly game of 'follow the leader' which lasted all of three minutes, before everyone was back in formation and flying steadily onwards.
We flew for hours, until noon, when we finally decided to stop and take a break. We had been flying since dawn, for around six hours, give or take and not to mention, we'd been attacked by Erasers before leaving camp earlier. I could see the younger set lagging behind slightly and Nudge had flown up alongside me to ask when we were stopping for lunch.
Nodding to Fang, I banked and circled around my flock, eyeing the ground all the while.
"There!" the Gasman exclaimed, pointing to somewhere below us, after minutes of searching.
Through the thinning cloud cover, I could make out the solid contours of buildings down below. My raptor vision kicking in, the town finally came into focus. It was a small town, quaint; with some stores and various apartment complexes. Checking a map I had recently acquired, I reasoned we were somewhere in the Pennsylvania area.
You can go a long way in six hours when you've got wings.
After eating and resting our wings for a good hour or two, we were back in the air once more, heading towards our destination. If we kept up an even pace and didn't run into any obstacles along the way, we would arrive in Massachusetts before nightfall.
We traveled contently, and with no distractions we made our way to the Massachusetts border around five. Am I good, or am I good?
Flying really takes a lot out of you and for six mutant bird kids with a monstrous appetite after twelve hours in flight going on only one meal, you can expect that we were hungry, starving even. Even I was hungry, though I would never say it aloud, I would wait for one of the others to ask for a break.
We landed in Boston to stock up our supplies, the Gasman and his sister accompanied me and we gathered dozens of granola bars and other foods that would make due for eating on the run. Once we were satisfied with our supply we paid and left quickly, regrouping with the others a mile from there, where they were safely hidden in the trees, waiting for our return.
From there we flew to Salem, where we landed without hesitation and began to scout around for a cheap motel, in which we could stay overnight and leave just as quickly if need be. It would be a nice change of scenery from all the nights we'd spent on the ground over the past few weeks.
Exhausted and famished, I booked our hotel room and returned to the others moments later with the key.
Our room wasn't half-bad for the ninety-nine dollars – a night deal they offered. The room had two double beds and a cot in the corner, a small kitchenette and bathroom. Compared to the recent places we've been sleeping, this was luxury. The bedding arrangement wasn't a problem as there were five places for us to sleep, and one of us would be on watch either way.
Nudge and Angel took one of the double beds while Gazzy and Iggy claimed the other. That left Fang with the cot; I would be taking first watch. Before sending everyone off to bed, we stacked our fists and tapped hands twice, a ritual we hardly ever went without performing.
The night was uneventful; and when Fang came to relieve me from watch and take over his shift I was happy to retire and get some sleep.
The fact that I actually managed to get a decent night's sleep surprised me, seeing as the last time I had fallen asleep in a motel, I woke up bound and gagged.
Rising early the next day, and feeling surprisingly refreshed, I decided to get up and wake the others.
A few babbled, incoherent responses later, the flock was gathered around our miniature table, discussing the plans of the day over breakfast.
"So, what are doing today?" Angel asked sweetly, scraping the last of her scrambled eggs off of her plate. Total was leaping and yipping excitedly by her feet. I rolled my eyes at him and turned to answer Angel.
"Well…" I trailed off, at a loss. I hadn't exactly planned ahead this far yet. I was still trying to work out why I had decided to come here. Was it the Voice? Could it now manipulate my thoughts? I shuddered inwardly at this mental suggestion and shifted my attention back to the others.
"Why don't we scout around town, see what there is to do and go from there?" I asked leaving room for suggestions, though surveying the town would probably be the best start.
Seeing as no one argued, it was decided. Packing up our things we unfurled our wings and took flight, circling the town a time or two and calling out whenever one of us found something interesting.
"Hey, look at that church down there! The one with the ravens and the gargoyles on top, isn't that cool?" Nudge inquired.
I stifled a laugh and my gaze followed her pointed finger. My eyes took in the building in question. It was large, antique-looking and painted a rich shade of ebony. It looked like an abandoned or disowned church. Gargoyles and ravens carved from iron sat along the rooftop of the church, looking as though they were on guard. Nudge was right, it was cool.
But as I was observing the enigmatic animals on the rooftop; my attention was drawn to the entrance. The doors were large, rounded and crafted from some wooded material – also painted black, though my eyes were focused on the heavy metal chains crossing them, strewn shut with a lock to boot. Oddly enough, the windows were also coated with a film of black paint, along with layers of dust and cobwebs.
Weird…
The place seemed to radiate a chilling, eerie aura and I concluded that we have enough problems on our hands, looking at it sent chills down my spine. Could it be another …School? I mused silently, before mentally deciding to leave the matter as is and continue with our touring of Salem.
I turned to navigate away from the building but it wasn't long before something went wrong, again.
I cringed at the pain in my head; it started out small but grew fast. I felt as if my head was the squishy cushion on that carnival game, the one where kids take a giant hammer and smack it down as hard as they can and try to ring the bell. The pain intensified as my eyes caught a swift glance at the eccentric church. I cried out, whimpering in pain and wishing for it to go away, as my wings folded and I began to fall.
Fang must've heard me scream because moments later he was carrying me in his arms and looking around frantically for a place to land. I curled tighter in his arms, whimpering pathetically, clutching my head so tight in my hands I feared it would shatter. Tears rolled down my cheeks unhindered, as the pressure on my skull amplified.
"Get away from…the church" I managed, my voice raw and hoarse with pain. Fang nodded silently, flying off; his dark eyes full of concern.
The rest of flock must have seen me fall – or heard in Iggy's case – and followed behind Fang without question. They knew what was happening to me and I mentally berated myself for making them worry.
The mind-blowing pain began to fade gradually as we left the odd black building behind us. Slowly, I opened my eyes and blurry, unfocused figures were looming above me. Moments later the figures stilled and I noticed five faces looking down at me, worry etched on their features. I narrowed my eyes and unintentionally let out a groan.
"Does it hurt?" I heard Fang ask me, though his voice seemed distant, kind of echo-y.
I moved to shake my head no, but I gasped and bit back another hiss of pain through clenched teeth.
"Ughh…" I moaned incomprehensibly, bringing a clammy hand to my forehead calmly.
"Are you okay Max?" Nudge asked; her big brown eyes full of concern and a hint of fear. "What happened?"
"Brain attack" I mumbled weakly, and managed with some effort to bring myself into a sitting position.
"What do you think caused it?" Iggy asked softly.
"That church?" Fang inquired, eyebrows knitted in confusion.
I moved to nod but then thought better of it. "I think so…it's weird" I know we're nothing short of abnormal but a building causes brain explosions? That's a little on the strange side – even for us, and that's saying something, after all we have wings. "I mean, why would a building cause something like that? They usually come from the Voice…" I trailed off unsure of where to go with this and instead remained silent, thinking.
Hey, Voice, you know anything about this? The black church in Salem? Does it have anything to do with the School?
Of course the Voice never responds to direct questions, but I figured I'd wing it anyway. Get it? Wing it? We have wings and – well, never mind.
Silence.
Of course, like always. I thought dryly, pushing myself to my feet. I planted one foot firmly on the rooftop but wobbled slightly once taking a step forward. Wind-milling my arms, I was able to catch myself before tumbling to the ground. I could feel the flock's stares at my back and I waved off their concern with a smile.
"I'm fine now" I caught Fang's dark eyes searching mine and added "honestly."
And I really was, the pain had now disappeared completely, fortunate for me, and I was able to stand without feeling light-headed or crashing to my feet like a ton of bricks, so I take that as a good sign. Unfurling my wings slowly, I caught an updraft that lifted my body from the building and carried me easily into the air. The flock had dropped off after me, and soon we were heading back into the main of town.
The wind ran airy fingers through my hair as we climbed into the sky, which was now beginning to darken. Apparently we were gone for longer then I thought; maybe I had fallen unconscious? I decided to let it go, it didn't matter, but one thing's for sure: I won't be heading within a mile of that church anytime soon.
I began thinking of where we could go from here. We could spend a bit more time here though, as the younger ones seem to enjoy it, but we couldn't linger for too long – anywhere, as I have to keep reminding myself that we are constantly running for our lives.
And I have to constantly remind you that you have a world to save. The Voice chimed in.
I rolled my eyes and let out an exasperated sigh. Can't you get someone else to do it? You know, like someone who actually cares? I have enough to worry about with just the flock, much less worry about the whole freaking world.
Max, It spoke in a mock-soothing manner. You'll come around; it's your destiny you can't change what fate has in store for you.
What fate has in store for me? Or what you have in store for me? I thought sourly, anger backing the question.
And of course it didn't respond; I said before that it never once responded to a direct question, it didn't seem like it was about to start now.
Sighing in frustration, my fists clenched at my sides before I cooled off. Why does everything have to be so hard? Can't we ever catch a break?
As you have been told before, your life is a game and you play a key role; the only way to win is to play by the rules, do as you were created to do. Save the world, Max. Then you can focus on other things.
Well, Voice. I quipped mentally, patience wearing thin. How do you propose I do that? Itex was a bust, and we blew them up, remember? We've hit a dead end and there's no where to turn, can I get a lead and maybe a map or directions or something?
The Voice never used emotions but I swear I think I heard it sigh.
You need to know when to relax, loosen up a bit. But keep your eyes on the prize, the light at the end of tunnel. For now, have some fun, enjoy yourself.
I blinked. First, it tells me to go and save the world. Then it tells me to kick back and relax? Hypocrite, I snorted.
Snapping out of my thoughts, I turned my attention forward, and I could see Fang casting me a sideways glance, eyes curious. A moment later he was beside me, dark wings moving almost silently through the air.
I could feel his eyes watching me and my shoulders tensed slightly.
"What's wrong?" he asked in a monotone.
"Nothing, just the voice bugging me again." I didn't want to bother Fang with my troubles, but his gaze seemed to be probing me for answers. I sighed and continued: "First it tells me to forget everything else and go save the world, but then it turns around and orders me to relax; I just…don't get it."
His eyes narrowed slightly and he responded casually. "Maybe its right … you seem a bit tense; why not take this chance and take a break?"
Just as I opened my mouth to ask: but how? Something hit me in the face, carried by a gust of wind. I was on the offensive in seconds and tore the object away before it could suffocate me. My heart racing I hesitantly looked down in my hands to find… a flyer?
Yes. It was a flyer, advertising some wack-fest fair in town tomorrow. I grunted in annoyance and was about to chuck the thing into the wind when the bolded print caught my eye:
"Salem's annual Cornerstone Fair – food, fun, games and more!"
There was an address and phone numbers to call, as well as other tidbits of information below the bolded junk. Lafayette Street; I'll have to remember that.
I groaned, holding up the flyer for Fang to see, the ghost of a smile flickered across his lips.
"Well" I started.
"That simplifies things" he finished.
"Yeah" I muttered sarcastically "the only break we get is at some whacked-up holiday fair." I scowled momentarily before Nudge piped up.
"Fair? We're going to a fair? Yay! Hey everyone we're going to a fair!" I smacked my palm to my forehead and sighed in defeat.
"Yeah" I murmured to myself "yippee."
Fang caught my eye and gave a small grin. "At least they have something to look forward to, and – you never know, it could turn out to be fun." He suggested with a shrug.
"Or, it could turn out to be the major disaster we've all been trying to avoid." I stated grimly.
After our little tour-gone-wrong around the town, we headed back to our motel for some well-deserved shut eye. We needed to rest up, the festival was tomorrow, and there was no way I could weasel out of going now.
The flock all stacked and tapped and everyone was out within moments. Iggy decided to take first watch, so that left me bedding with the Gasman, who had fallen asleep nearly as soon as he hit the bed. I would probably be up for awhile, just thinking things over.
Why haven't any Erasers come after us? Maybe they haven't found us yet? I know I should be thankful that nothing had attacked us yet, but the times we actually got a chance to rest were so rare that whenever they came around I was always on edge. This was unnerving, and I couldn't help but think of what disaster would be awaiting us tomorrow at the fair.
It seemed all too easy; the Voice ragging on me then telling me to chill and moments later we come across a poster that just so happened to be flying through the air. I remembered the Voice – and Jeb, telling me that everything was just a test, that life was just one big game; was this just part of the test? I groaned in frustration, feeling a headache – the normal kind, coming on.
I brought one hand up to briefly massage my temples, before dropping it back beside me. Sighing, I closed my eyes and gradually slipped into a rueful slumber.
A/n: so, nothing big. The festival thing will be in the next chappie too. Oh, and sorry about my lack-of-creativeness for a festival title... I just went online and looked up someplace in Salem where they had a bunch of stff going on and used that. It was orignally gonna be "holiday fair" but that would be way too boring so, erm yay? And the next chapter will be important to the plot, so stay tuned! Oh and I've seen that church-like building while I was in Salem so I based it off of what I remember. (I have no idea if it was actually a church and I'm starting to doubt it was in Salem. But I know it was somewhere along the way to Maine so it could've been. Eh. details, who needs 'em?)
See that little purple button down in the corner? No – left corner, yeah that's it. Hit it. Please? I'll give you..cupcakes! Everybody loves cupcakes! So review! - grins -
To my reviewers:
Acavoo - Yes. Don't we all?
Coolbeanie - Thanks!
Superrgirl - Thank you!
Skybreeze - Yay, I'm glad there IC, that's the main thing I worry about. That's basically what goes through my head the entire time I'm writing: if she said this, would that sound IC? what about that? etc. And thanks! I'm suprised I actually thought of a whole plot this time. And it gets way more intersting, hopefully everyone else will think so as well. And yes Max's schools were worse but my school's pretty bad itself; too much work ... or maybe I'm just gettin' lazy xD
Bluesea14 - Yeah I love Fax, it's so awesome, and basically canon. Thanks!
SamanthaFantasyFan - Aww... I hate writer's block. - sends you a trible batch for good measure - Beta, you're interested? Really? Awesome! Oh, and no need to worry about nagging me to update, my conscience and my best friend have that part down for me. ;) I'll send you a PM about the beta thing, thanks! And ... I shouldv'e been more specific about the "how on earth to edit a chapter thing" I actually meant how to edit a chapter after it's already uploaded into the story – is that even possible or do you have to delete it and re do it? I use the preview/edit thing to add my author's notes and make any last minute changes before putting it up. Not your fault though, you didn't know, I should've been more specific.
Odet Mae - Woah... comparing me to JP? I'm flattered, but I'm not quite that good ;) Thanks though!